SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Chapter 88

The executive boardroom of Kane Industries fell silent as Victoria

Kane entered, Camille following close behind. Ten pairs of eyes tracked their movement, calculating and wary. The morning sunlight streaming through the windows did nothing to warm the atmosphere.

Victoria

took her place at the head of the table. Camille sat to her right, feeling the weight of scrutiny press down on her shoulders. She had dressed with particular care that morning-

a structured navy suit, minimal jewelry, hair pulled back severely. The outfit of a serious businesswoman, not an unstable heiress.

James Whitley, the longest-

serving board member, cleared his throat. "Thank you for meeting on such short notice. Given the extraordinary circumstances, we felt immediate discussion was necessary." Victoria's face remained impassive. "The circumstances being?"

"Don't play games, Victoria," snapped Eleanor Price from across the table. The former federal judge had always maintained professional distance. Today, that distance had turned to frost. "Our stock dropped tw two percent before trading was halted. The market reopens in three hours. We need answers now."

"The allegations against Camille are false," Victoria said, her voice measured but firm. "A coordinated attack designed to damage Kane

Industries through character assassination."

"That may be," said Michael Chen, the soft-

spoken CFO. "But market perception is

our current reality. Investors are fleeing. Partners are calling with concerns. Three major clients have already requested meetings to discuss' continuity of leadership."

"The Phoenix Grid launch is two weeks away," added Diane Rodriguez. "We've invested billions. If confidence in the technology collapses along with confidence in." She hesitated, eyes sliding to Camille. "In lea Camille kept her expression neutral. She had prepared for this, rehearsed with Victoria until dawn. Show strength, Show control. Any display of emotion

would only reinforce the narrative they were fighting against.

"The Phoenix Grid technology is sound," Camille said, speaking for the first time. "The engineering team has verified every aspect. We have redundant testing protocols precisely to prevent any single point of fa Whitley's eyes narrowed. "That's not the concern, Ms. Kane, The concern is whether your... personal situation has

compromised your judgment regarding the project."

"My personal situation?" Camille felt her control slip slightly. "You mean the lies being spread about me?" "Regarding those allegations," said Eleanor, shuffling papers. "These supposed medical records..." "Are fabricated," Victoria cut in. "Obviously."

"Are they? Because their specificity is concerning." Eleanor read from a document. "Treatment for paranoid delusions at age sixteen. Hospitalization following a violent episode during college. Ongoing therapy f "False claims," Victoria said, her knuckles whitening around her pen..

"Then why haven't you sued for defamation?" This from Thomas Gordon, the newest board member. "The company's standard response to false reporting has always been immediate legal action." Victoria's eyes flashed. "We are gathering evidence on the source of these fabrications before filing. Strategic patience is not inaction."

"What about the interview with Rose Lewis?" Diane pressed. "She made specific claims about witnessing unstable behavior. And now the parents are scheduled to speak tomorrow."

Camille felt the blood drain from her face. She hadn't known about her parents' interview until this moment.

woman orchestrated an attempt on

of public response favors Rose's version of events." "We're not running this company based

based on market value and shareholder confidence," Eleanor countered. "Both of which are in

hum of the air conditioning,

finally asked, though

members. "The board believes it would be in the company's best interest if Camille stepped back from her

herself

Whitley clarified. "No Phoenix Grid launch appearance. No investor meetings. No press. A leave of absence, effective

if we refuse this suggestion?"

suggestion," Eleanor said coldly. "It's a decision. The vote was

stood slowly. "You held a vote without

section 7B

board may

percent," Gordon

led this company through

hostile takeover attempts, and countless market fluctuations," Victoria said, each word precise. "I've increased shareholder value by over six hundred percent during my tenure. And you presume to make decisions

personal, Victoria," Whitley attempted.

is entirely personal," Victoria interrupted "This

against Camille, and by

Eleanor said, "the damage is real. We

the weight of their judgment. She had

public opinion. She

steady voice. "Kane

snapped toward her, a flash of

stabilize market confidence," Camille continued, "I'm willing

position to make conditions," Gordon said

with Phoenix Grid development, even if not publicly. The project needs my oversight to succeed."

began, a

sensible compromise, Victoria,"

Victoria, silently pleading with her to understand. This wasn't surrender. It

Victoria faced the board again. "Very well Camille will step back from public

still run through her.

expressing full confidence in her leadership and

frowned. "The statement should focus on Kane Industries'

"Those are my termé

or call

threat hung

Whitley conceded after a tense silence. "PR will draft something for your

have a company to

out, only James Whitley paused at the door. "Victoria, this isn't personal. We're trying to protect what you've built."

Victoria sank back into her chair, suddenly looking older than Camille had ever

Victoria said. "For what it